Roadside alcohol checks have become increasingly common, prompting many drivers to think more carefully about how much alcohol they consume before getting behind the wheel. Experts note that the most important factor is not the type of drink itself, but the total amount of pure alcohol consumed.
Alcohol content depends on quantity, not just strength
A common misconception is that stronger spirits such as ouzo and tsipouro automatically cause greater intoxication than beer because they contain a higher percentage of alcohol.
However, what matters is the total amount of ethanol in each serving. While beer is consumed in larger volumes and has a lower alcohol concentration, spirits are typically served in much smaller quantities but contain a significantly higher alcohol percentage.
As a result, a standard serving of beer, wine or a spirit may contain a broadly similar amount of pure alcohol.
Alcohol content by drink
Alcohol levels vary depending on the product and brand, but typical servings contain approximately:
- Lager beer (330ml, 5% alcohol): around 13g of pure alcohol
- Dry white or red wine (150ml, 12% alcohol): around 14g of pure alcohol
- Ouzo (50ml, 40% alcohol): around 16g of pure alcohol
- Tsipouro without anise (50ml, 40%-42% alcohol): around 16-17g of pure alcohol
Adding water or ice to ouzo or tsipouro increases the volume of the drink but does not reduce the amount of alcohol it contains.
Calorie content of alcoholic drinks
Alcohol also contributes a significant number of calories, with ethanol providing approximately seven calories per gram. Additional calories may come from carbohydrates and sugars contained in the drink.
Typical calorie values include:
- Lager beer 330ml: around 140-150 calories
- Dry wine 150ml: around 120-130 calories
- Ouzo 50ml: around 120-140 calories
- Tsipouro 50ml: around 110-120 calories
The actual calorie content can vary depending on the product, alcohol concentration and serving size.
Driving and alcohol consumption
While many people enjoy alcoholic drinks as part of social occasions, authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible consumption, particularly when driving.
Although alcohol content differs between beverages, consuming any amount can affect driving ability. The safest option for motorists is not to consume alcohol before driving.
Source: in.gr
